U2’s 1993 8th studio album ‘ZOOROPA’ turns 30 years old.
July 5, 2023, marks the 30th anniversary of the release of U2’s eighth studio album, Zooropa. The album, produced by Brian Eno, Flood & The Edge, was a continuation of the band’s previous work incorporating electronica and dance music influences into their sound.
They recorded the follow-up to Achtung Baby during a break in the band’s Zoo TV Tour. The band’s experiences on tour provided the inspiration.
Upon its release, Zooropa was a critical and commercial success, reaching number one in the United States and the United Kingdom. It spawned the singles: “Numb”, “Lemon”, “Stay (Faraway, So Close!)”, and “The Wanderer” starring Johnny Cash. In 1994 the album won the Grammy Award for Best Alternative Music Album.
First Single – “Numb”
The first single from the album was The Edge led, monotone & mostly spoken word “Numb”. The song, originally recorded during the Achtung Baby sessions, initially, was not a band favorite. The music video for the song was a fan favorite and staple on MTV. It featured The Edge staring straight into the camera sitting under a dripping tap, while strange things happened to him. He had cigarette smoke blown in his face, feet shoved all over his face, and kids slapping him. (video below)
In the years since its release, critics have praised Zooropa for its innovative sound and its exploration of themes of media saturation, globalization, and the future of the world. It has also been cited as one of U2’s best albums and has been included on numerous lists of the greatest albums of all time. Although the record was one of the band’s most creative works, the band themselves regard it with mixed feelings.
25th Anniversary
In 2018, to celebrate Zooropa’s 25th Anniversary, U2 also released the album on vinyl with bonus tracks.
Since its release 30 years ago today, Zooropa has sold over 7 million albums worldwide.
U2 hits Las Vegas for the grand opening of MSG’s Sphere, with 25 dates lined up between September 29th and December 16th, 2023.